was going to be okay.” She smiled back at him, wishing she could ignore whatever was stirring inside her. Felipe and Ivan entered the cabin, pulling her thoughts away from places they didn’t need to go. She grabbed the pitcher of water and set it on the table, wishing that this lull in the storm could last forever. But now that Michael was up on his feet again, they were going to have to make decisions . . . and those decisions had nothing to do with her heart. Michael sat down beside Olivia

for the first time in months, he actually found himself able to relax. While the fire crackled in the background, leaving a subtle hint of cedar throughout the room, he could almost imagine himself back with his own family with his own mama’s cooking on the stove. They used to spend a week every winter up in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Tonight, those memories seemed like a lifetime ago. He pushed his chair back and noticed the small television across the room for the first time. They needed to

Ivan asked. Olivia stood up and began pacing in front of the fireplace. A pocket of sap popped as she turned back to her brother. “They might be after Michael because he has evidence that could take down our father, but you were a witness to a murder. Do you think they’ll let you just walk away? Especially if our father has people inside the police department?” “Your sister’s right. It’s not safe,” Michael said. He carried his bowl to the sink and rinsed it. There was one other option he

reached for the string of keys hanging on the wall for guests and felt her stomach knot. The keys were gone. The overhead light snapped on above her, illuminating the modern fixtures, the stainless steel appliances, and the dark wooden cabinets. “Miss Hamilton?” Olivia took a step backward at the sound of the guard’s voice and turned around. José smiled across the room at her. “I’m sorry, Miss Hamilton. Didn’t mean to scare you. Thought I heard a noise in here.” She forced a smile. She’d

have to come alone.” Tears formed pools in her eyes. This couldn’t be happening. “What time will you get here?” “I’ll call you in an hour with further details.” It was crazy how badly one part of her wanted to see him while the rest of her wanted only to run. There was no way she could know if it was safe. “I’ll wait for your call,” she said. “Olivia.” Michael spoke as soon as she hung up the call. “You’re not—” “Don’t.” She set the phone down on the table. “I have to see him.” “No, you